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Web-only letters to the editor, Oct. 3, 2013

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Iran situation

In a September 27, 2013 opinion-page essay, Fareed Zakaria discussed the overall odds of success for the current problem-solving dialogue between the U.S. and Iran. ("Obama and Rouhani: Can either deliver on a deal?")

During his analysis, Zakaria did not explain why Iran has nuclear energy programs in the first place. This omission is fairly common in the current public dialogue on the pros and cons of diplomacy with Iran.

Fortunately the President of Iran, Hassan Rouhani, summarized the "why" in an opinion essay titled, "Why Iran seeks constructive engagement". It was posted on September 19, 2013 in the on-line Washington Post. In the essay, President Rouhani said:

"At their core, the vicious battles in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria are over the nature of those countries' identities and their consequent roles in our region and the world. The centrality of identity extends to the case of our peaceful nuclear energy program. To us, mastering the atomic fuel cycle and generating nuclear power is as much about diversifying our energy resources as it is about who Iranians are as a nation, our demand for dignity and respect and our consequent place in the world. Without comprehending the role of identity, many issues we all face will remain unresolved."

In addition, Iran is like many other countries. There is public support for moving away from burning hydrocarbons to generate electricity and toward the use of geothermal, nuclear, solar, and wind energy. However, Iran's situation is different than other countries. The economic and trade sanctions have prevented it from purchasing enriched uranium-235 on the world market. The Iranians only alternative is to enrich their own uranium fuel. Enriched 3.5% uranium-235 fuel is suited for large base-load power stations. The Iranians are also using 20% enriched uranium in a research reactor to make radioisotopes for medical purposes.

The obvious message sent to the Iranians by the American initiated sanctions is: "You would be very shortsighted if you stopped making your own uranium fuel."

Bill Buckel, Columbus

Budget woes

The recurring budget stand-off in Washington ("Capitol is calm before the storm" (Dispatch of 30 September) is ample proof again that the American people are governed by dishonest thieves and criminals, colloquially know as politicians.

Here is proof of this fact: Congress, i.e. the Senate and the House annually approve the budget for the coming year. For as far as we can think back, this annual spending has exceeded the intake by the Treasury by billions and billions of dollars. For the past 5 years under the current administration this annual deficit was close to $1 trillion. That means, close to $1 trillion had to be borrowed through sale of Treasury notes. Luckily, this borrowing is not automatic. There is a debt ceiling for borrowing money and when that ceiling is reached, currently close to $17 trillion, this ceiling has to be raised by Congress.

It is highly immoral for Congress to pass an annual budget with huge deficits and then not provide the funds to pay for it. Every Congressman knows that the budget that Congress passes, will sooner or later require raising the debt ceiling. What these illustrious representatives in Washington should do, is to not pass a budget that we cannot afford and cut the massive waste out of government spending. The $17 trillion in Treasury debt plus $7 trillion in government agency debt means that every person alive in this country carries a debt in excess of $75,000, which can never be paid back.

Erik Meyer, Columbus

Texting, driving

This letter is in response to the latest study of teen driving, published in the Thursday, September 27th Dispatch. This study states a link between texting and driving “has not been made.” The study tries to say the “part of the brain that can weigh the consequences for risky behavior is the last to develop.” Really? It is impossible not to think of recent deaths (teens in auto accidents, pedestrians getting hit) and wonder about this “study”. Anyone who pulls up next to a teen at a stop light sees the phone front and center, often right on the steering wheel. In a world where we “ban sugary drinks” from school and make it impossible for a kid to get a cookie at lunch (Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act), as we are concerned about them getting fat, perhaps we should pass a law that would prevent them from dying? When we were young, our distraction was the radio and lighting a cigarette when we drove, usually while not wearing our seat belt. Now, kids can do all of those things PLUS watch a movie on your phone while you drive! The pace of society demands “instant response”, even to stupid text comments. We created this, now we need to find a way to undo it. With all of this “technology available” let’s make something worthwhile that can save a life. Cell phone companies and the auto industry need to create a “scrambler” that can be activated when the ignition is turned on. This device would DISABLE cell phones once a car is turned on. Our society functioned just fine before we had phones in the car and my “common sense” study says accidents were fewer. Let’s pass a law that will save a life.

Sue Berg, Dublin

Fracking waste

The article “Sites sought for region’s fracking residue” should raise concerns for citizens of Ohio as well as the country’s environmentalists. According to this article, last year alone, over eight million barrels of fracking waste were pumped into the land of in three states, most of which ended up in Ohio’s 190 disposal wells. These facts raise concerning questions: Why are a majority of these wells in Ohio? How many of them are located near valuable supplies of groundwater? Fracking involves using water, sand, and chemicals to break rock shale and free natural gas. How do we know that the waste from this activity, which is made up of all the same elements, will not break the rock of the well, leaking into our environment or water supply? And most importantly, has Battelle considered any of these questions? As the daughter of a Battelle employee, I understand that company itself is not using the resources from this process. But, as I am also an environmentally concerned citizen of Ohio, I also understand the disruption that disposal of such waste can cause, such as habitat loss, possible leakage into groundwater, and even the formation of small earthquakes. How much more land is going to be taken over and how many more habitats will be destroyed to create more sites. When will we run out? I am curious to find out more information about this topic, such as what tests Battelle is running on the waste water and the safest way this issue could be approached.

Melissa Zarate, Powell

Tax incentives

Comment about Friday’s ‘Auditor to examine potential conflicts of interest at JobsOhio . Why not offer tax incentives across the board and out in the open? Prove you have created x new jobs in Ohio and get x times $ in tax incentives. Small and medium size business deserve to be treated fairly the same as large ones. However all politics are local, Kasich took the steps to privatize this with taxpayer money or with liquor taxes so that you can’t question if this is a slush fund, and has no oversight that counts. Tax incentives are often political and politicians got paid back with campaign funds. Creating new jobs is not just about tax incentives, most new jobs got no incentives for their employer, so why do we need Jobs Ohio? We don’t.

Candace Podger McChesney, Upper Arlington

Power plants

Regarding Dr Jonathan P Parsons letter to the editor on Sept 30, 2013 and his desire that not just new power plants meet new emission standards, but also the old ones!

No one expects all of the cars on the road today to be brought up to current CAFE (Current Auto Fuel Economy) standards. No one expects all of the freezers, refrigerators, washers and dryers to be brought up to todays Energy Star standards, nor all homes to be brought up to todays insulation standards.

In Fred and Wilma Flintstone's world, all they need to do is snap their finger for things to happen.

The reality of today's world is it probably takes 10+ years to get plans approved and acquire all the necessary permits to build a new power plant. Then, probably another 10 years of construction.

I suspect that to retro fit an existing power plant would be the same process, same time line, same cost, and you would still have a 30-40 year old power plant.

Wake up and smell the coffee Dr Parsons - some things just are not practical.

Tom J. Keller, Baltimore

College costs

The AOL/Huffington Post web page today shows a college graduate who has SEVERAL degrees but is saddled in debt, like I should feel outraged or sorry for him. If he or his family couldn't afford the tuition for the first degree, why did he pursue more? I am fed up with people who think the world owes the ANYTHING, and that doesn't just go for college students. A lot if the students have no more debt than the price of a new car. Here in Columbus, it is assumed that every high school grad will automatically go to OSU for a degree in something. That's great-just have the money to pay for it. Am I out of line to gripe about having to pay my mortgage or car payment? Had I bought more house or car than I could afford, why should anyone listen to me complain about the payments?

Bill Ofsanik, Columbus

Election questions

The article in the Monday morning Dispatch entitled "City Council candidates take sides" is an exercise in futility. First, there will never be anyone elected to a city council seat other than a democrat until there are ward elections. Second, there will never be anyone elected to a city council seat other than a democrat as long as you have the huge block of liability voters supporting them. Those are two facts that control all positions in Columbus City elections.

Dick Alexander, Pickerington

Global warming

In Law school they say that when trying a case, if the facts are on your side “pound the facts”, if they are not on your side, “pound the table”. Never have I seen a better example of pounding the table than the latest report out from the IPCC. The facts, which the report admits to, are overwhelmingly in support of the conclusion that man’s impact on climate change is insignificant, while the conclusion states that the organization is more convinced than ever that global warming is primarily caused by man. They have the nerve to claim 95% certainty, but perhaps we should not be surprised as global warming has become one of the largest industries on the planet supporting hundreds of billions of dollars being spent on government programs to overcome nature, and endless research dollars to make man the culprit through reckless, all but useless, mathematical models, well beyond the understanding of the public, being duped by it all.

It is time for the public to ignore biased opinions and weigh the simple facts, now agreed to by essentially everyone on either side of a continuing controversy that should have ended years ago. In the minds of a growing percentage of the public, it has. They are finding far more important issues to worry about. Here is why. While man does continue to pump more and more CO2 into the atmosphere from power plants, automobiles and industrial activity, the earth has not warmed for 15 years. Everyone agrees it was warmer in the13th century with lower carbon dioxide than it has been today amidst a continuing industrial revolution. We now know Antarctic ice, 8 times greater than Arctic ice, is increasing rather than receding. Computer models are missing their predictions by the equivalent of a country mile. At last, strange as it may seem, IPCC scientists are admitting that cosmic rays from the sun may have something to do with the earth’s temperature. They have given up on the idea that Greenland ice melt will raise sea levels dramatically, or that the intensity of droughts and tropical cyclones are our fault as well.

This near hoax has continued now for a quarter century, it is time for the public to embrace their common sense in evaluating reality.

Jay Lehr, Ostrander

Health care

I am responding to Sunday's Insight article "Your Guide to the Health-Care Act," and more specifically to Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor's role in the whole scheme of things. I don't care if you were elected or appointed to a political post, you are still obligated to represent everyone - Democrat and Republican. I learned long ago that Mary Taylor was Republican and was opposed to Obamacare, but as director of the state's Department of Insurance, I feel it was her responsibility to help in setting up Ohio's insurance exchanges. She just decided to let the Federal Government do it for Ohio. All she ever did was negate Obamacare and , I guess, she has no feeling for the poor people in Ohio who can't afford insurance. Her only contribution to the debate was that it would cost Ohioan's 41% more, and even that was incorrect. It didn't take into account the subsidies that would help out of pocket costs. In other words, she has done nothing. Why do we even pay her? She certainly does not respresent me.

On a more positive note, I congratulate the Dispatch for taking on the very difficult task of explaining the ins and outs of a very confusing new health-care law. But, I think Mary Taylor, the Lt. Gov., should be out in front doing her job, whether she supports Obamacare or not!

Bernard Martin, Columbus

Washington woes

Members of Congress are behaving like children spending more time bickering than doing the job they are supposed to do what is good for the American people not for the party. They are the ones that should be furlowed. If the federal employees are not paid so should they.

Nellie Riordan, Pickerington

Global warming

After reading opinion columns by global warming skeptics like Cal Thomas and Michael Barone, I got the distinct impression that these men are literate educated individuals. In spite of this they continue to articulate positions that have no scientific merit. There is a precedent for this type of intransigence. In the 19th century there were literate educated doctors who did not accept germ theory. Therefore they refused to wash their hands or sterilize instruments. In addition they wore unwashed black frock coats encrusted with dried blood and viscera. These unsanitary practices contaminated the surgical environment and caused many preventable deaths. Readers can see an illustration of a 19th century operating theater showing the surgeon wearing one of these black frocks in the painting "The Gross Clinic" by American artist Thomas Eakins.

Global warming deniers wear an internalized version of the frock: i.e. they exhibit a mindset encrusted with biased, selective interpretations of complex data as well as outright willful ignorance. They have every right to espouse the ideology of unfettered free markets and express reactionary opinions. However, concerned citizens may want to remember that in the late 19th century many lives were saved when retrograde beliefs were displaced and sterilization protocols were adopted.

Today in the 21st century, how many lives will be lost as alternative energy technologies are misrepresented while emerging global warming patterns accelerate?

Bruce Robinson, Columbus

Political games

"If a bill has passed in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate and has been approved by the President, or if a presidential veto has been overridden, the bill becomes a law and is enforced by the government." Kids in the House, Website created and maintained by the Office of the Clerk, U.S. Capital, Washington DC.

What is wrong with our government? A law is a law and, by definition, must be enforced by the full force and effect of the United States government! The Health Care law is a law, not an act, not a bill but a law. Stop screwing around with our economy and the fate of the known world's economy and do your job!

Elissa Bisaro, Columbus

'Clean' energy

The Ohio Senate is poised to consider legislation from Senator Bill Seitz (R-8) that will weaken our state’s clean energy standards. As a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, I know how investments in clean energy and energy efficiency can make Ohio – and our military - more secure. During my year of service in Iraq, I saw first hand the dangers of our dependence on fuel and the resources lost because of inefficient technologies. I’ve had to bury friends who were killed in action trying to protect the same resource that continue to fund our enemies: oil.

This is why I am proud that our military is addressing these threats and leading the way in developing renewable energy and energy efficient technologies that diversify our energy mix, strengthen our national security, and enhance mission capability. In Afghanistan, my fellow Marines are using solar tents and solar blankets to power their forward operating bases and charge their communications equipment, cutting down on wasted resources and reducing our reliance upon fuel convoys which are easy targets for our enemies.

Senator Seitz’s senseless attacks on Ohio’s ability to develop and diversify its energy portfolio with cleaner sources of energy and energy efficiency only serve to weaken our national and economic security. Our elected officials should listen to our military leaders and continue to support clean energy policies that will keep Ohio and America safe and strong.

Samantha Allen, Columbus

Government shutdown

Simply Incredible. Our elected leadership, in serving their narrow interests and refusing to put their precious jobs on the line, have shut down our government in the middle of a War. Meanwhile, our children in the Military, mine included, serve the national interest for all and put their lives on the line every day. The selfish irresponsibility of Congress has just made the noble, perilous job of defending our country that much more dangerous. Simply Inexcusable.

Craig Yeack, Dublin

Transportation apps

Mr. Rouan’s article on alternative taxi and limousine transportation coming to Columbus couldn’t be more exciting. I just returned from San Francisco where I had the opportunity to use Uber for the first time. The program was easy to download and the quality of service fantastic. Rather than hope for the best on when a taxi or limo would appear, Uber let’s you set your pick up location, locates a driver and let’s you know how many minutes it would be for the driver to arrive. In addition, they provide a photo of the drive, their name and the license plate number to help you recognize the driver. You can also text or call the driver prior to their arrival. One flat rate no matter how many people are being picked up and you have the option of choosing the size of vehicle needed.

There is no money exchanged between passenger and driver. Rather Uber keeps your credit card on file and it is used to pay the driver and tip them as well. This also insures the driver is paid which doesn’t always happen to taxi drivers.

What I particularly liked was the rating system to keep drivers (and passengers) on their best behavior. Uber requires both drivers and passengers to rate each other. If a driver falls below a 4.5 rating they are put on probation. Passengers too are rated to reduce abuse of the system.

Although I can’t personally recommend all the car hiring apps, I strongly endorse Uber and look forward to having it in Columbus.

Laura Pakis, Blacklick

Moving experience

Last night I attended my first OSU football game and it was truly exhilarating to see the community support for the Buckeyes. In fact, one could say the fans are an extension of the players, which makes all of us (community, coaches, and players) one very powerful team. Clearly the human spirit of 105,000 plus people was soaring with confidence and happiness last night. It's an amazing experience when human beings collectively pour their spirit into the same goal.

Suddenly, because of the unity, it was obvious one human spirit could barely keep up with the energy of the stadium. While there was a smile on his face, his shoulders and walk demonstrated that he was defeated. I wondered how this could be since no one else appeared to be so sad or deflated. Eventually the stadium camera crew found this one human spirit desperately trying to make his way through the crowd and they broadcast him on the digital display.

Being the melancholic temperament that I am, my heart felt the agony of his defeat despite the fact the Buckeyes had just beat Wisconsin. I wanted to console this kind human being who is suffering so much heartache. Although the one team was celebrating the joy of the victory it was impossible to ignore the human suffering of this one soul.

Curiously his aura caused people to flock to his aid as he carried the weight of his cross through the crowd. Even though pop-culture, politics, media, etc. has plastered its dark side all over the spirit of mankind world-wide, without uttering a word this one human being caused others to reach out to help. Instinctively young and old alike wanted to carry his cross for a bit. It was truly a beautiful moment in this spirit of all of us being one.

Now, imagine if this team spirit would carry over into our non-orchestrated daily life? It is so rare for human beings to reach out to each other and recognize when one is carrying a very heavy cross, and then stop what we are doing to help. Yet, when our spirit of joy is one, as was evident in the OSU stadium, we clearly recognize the suffering of others and heroically respond. It seems the powerful positive feelings and support from being a part of one team caused us to have compassion.

As the digital screen in the OSU stadium made it clear that Dom Tiberi was simply going through the motions, grasping at whatever happiness he once had in his role as sports newscaster our hearts reached out to lift his spirit. Can we continue to carry this sprit of one into our daily lives and be aware of all those who are silently suffering?

Dina Giddens, Columbus

Stolen cellphone

I spent last weekend as a demonstrator at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium meeting, greeting, and sharing my talents with thousands of people. I sat in the rain, with a smile on my face to show folks who braved the storm how to make pottery. On Sunday, I talked about Nelsonville and the great things happening in my home town while making jokes and teaching others about my craft until my voice was hoarse.

At 5:00 clock, when clean up began, I took my apron off to clean and set my cell phone aside. A few more visitors begged for a chance to see pottery being made at the Zoo. I was so happy to oblige -I let my guard down. My cell phone was gone.

To that person that ruins another person’s experiences by souring them with hardships - no thanks! I just wanted to remind other people to watch their cell phones closely. You will lose your pictures, contacts, and trust in others.

Jennifer L'Heureux, Nelsonville

Global warming

From extreme weather, like the devastating floods in Colorado, to increased cases of asthma in our children, climate change is impacting people across the United States.

The EPA’s recent proposal to limit carbon pollution from new power plants is a critical step in the President’s new Climate Action plan.

These standards are needed not only to address climate change, but also to encourage innovation through the development of more renewable energy. Ultimately, they will create a cleaner Ohio.

Although these new EPA standards would help safeguard Ohio’s environment, Senator Sherrod Brown has yet to publicly endorse President Obama’s climate plan. It is thus important for you, as concerned and active citizens, to demand that Senator Brown voice his support for these new standards. We have an obligation to act on climate, not only for the sanctity of our rich ecosystems, but also for the health and safety of our children.